World Hearing Day acknowledges the millions of Americans who are facing disabling hearing loss, brings awareness to the different causes of deafness, and promotes finding solutions in preventing hearing loss.
“I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution to designate March 3 as World Hearing Day,” said Thompson. “The resolution recognizes the millions of Americans who experience disabling hearing loss and provides an opportunity to come together and push for policies that support ear and hearing care and pursue cures to various causes of deafness. On World Hearing Day, I am committed to working with Rep. Fitzpatrick and my colleagues to support those with disabling hearing loss and advance research into hearing care.”
“Forty-eight million Americans are currently suffering with hearing loss,” said Fitzpatrick. “That is why I am proud to support this bipartisan resolution which raises awareness of those suffering and recognizes the need for increased access to care.”
"The American Speech-Language-Hearing Association applauds Representatives Thompson and Fitzpatrick for introducing today’s resolution supporting the goals and ideals of World Hearing Day," said 2023 ASHA President Robert M. Augustine, PhD, CCC-SLP. "ASHA looks forward to continued work with Reps. Thompson and Fitzpatrick to increase access to hearing health care and technology to improve quality of life for all individuals living with hearing loss.”
The full text of the resolution can be found below.
Thompson represents California’s Fourth Congressional District, which includes all or part of Lake, Napa, Solano, Sonoma and Yolo counties.
118TH CONGRESS
1ST SESSION H. RES. ll
Expressing support for the goals and ideals of ‘‘World Hearing Day’’.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. THOMPSON of California submitted the following resolution; which was
referred to the Committee on
RESOLUTION
Expressing support for the goals and ideals of ‘‘World Hearing Day’’.
Whereas the World Health Organization (WHO) has designated March 3 as World Hearing Day;
Whereas the theme for World Hearing Day 2023 is ‘‘Ear and Hearing Care for All’’;
Whereas approximately 466 million people worldwide, including 34 million children, have disabling hearing loss;
Whereas the WHO estimates that by 2050 over 900 million people—1 in every 10—will have disabling hearing loss;
Whereas approximately 48 million Americans have some degree of hearing loss and people with hearing impairments wait on average 7 years before seeking help;
Whereas hearing issues are the most common service-connected disability among American veterans;
Whereas the number of adults in the United States 20 years or older with hearing loss is expected to increase from 44.1 million in 2020 to 73.5 million by 2060;
Whereas individuals with mild hearing loss are 3 times more likely to experience a fall, and falls are the leading cause of fatal injury for Americans over 65;
Whereas seniors with hearing loss are more likely to develop cognitive problems and experience cognitive decline up to 40 percent faster than those without hearing loss;
Whereas untreated hearing loss can lead to depression, anxiety, and social isolation, especially during the coronavirus (COVID–19) pandemic;
Whereas uneven coverage of and access to hearing technology and services contribute to significant disparities in hearing care; and
Whereas timely access to diagnosis and treatment for hearing and vestibular conditions by qualified hearing health care professionals can improve outcomes and reduce overall
cost of care: Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the House of Representatives — (1) supports the goals and ideals of ‘‘World Hearing Day’’; (2) encourages awareness about ways to prevent deafness and hearing loss and promote ear and hearing care; and (3) supports efforts to improve access to hearing health care and technology for all individuals.